What's The Issue?

The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with color, and the scent of campfire smoke drifts through the woods. It’s fall in the Northeast—and for hunters, anglers, RV owners, and anyone who treasures a weekend under the stars, it’s prime time to head into the backcountry and enjoy a cozy campfire.

Before you pack up your gear and load firewood into your vehicle, there’s something you need to know. Firewood can carry hidden threats. Invasive species like the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), invasive longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), and spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) can hide within firewood for months, even surviving harsh winters. When firewood is moved from one location to another, invasive species like these can emerge and wreak havoc on forests, wildlife habitats, and the very campsites we all enjoy.

What Can You Do to Help?

Be the first line of defense and follow these simple steps for your next campfire!  

  1. Buy firewood where you burn it: New York State prohibits moving firewood more than 50 miles from its origin to reduce pest movement.
  2. Choose certified, heat-treated wood: Look for firewood treated at 160°F (71°C) for 75 minutes to ensure it’s pest-free.
  3. Gather responsibly on-site: When allowed, collect only dead and downed wood smaller than your wrist, and always check local guidelines.

By following these simple steps, you dramatically reduce the risk of accidentally transporting invasive species that could go on to decimate tree populations in new areas. 

Helpful Resources

Use these tools to learn more about firewood regulations and where to source local firewood. 

View webinar recordings

Help Spread the Word

Tell your friends and family about firewood regulations.

Follow the Don’t Move Firewood Facebook/Instagram pages. Reshare posts or premade graphics from their Resource Library.

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